Q: I want to start an animal rescue. How do I trademark the name or copyright it so no one else can use it?
Don't want to get sued if someone else uses the name either.
A: A trademark is what you are looking for. In the United States, they are established through use in commerce ("common law trademark.") To protect your rights in it, though, you should register it. Trademarks can be registered with a state or a federal government office. Federal registration is strong recommended, for several reasons, the primary one being that otherwise you only get protection within the geographic area of trade in which you have operated and become known. Federal registration protects your exclusive right to use it throughout the country. Federal registration is through the USPTO. You should do a trademark search first before applying. I also strongly recommend retaining a trademark attorney to help you.
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